Quote: bowlingboy "what can we take from this game?
1) we are light in the front row power and aggression was lacking
2) Dunning probably isn't a Champ head coach (we knew this before the season stared)
3) out of 3 Leeds DR lads 2 were beyond Garbage and didn't want to be there (although who could blame them?)
4) As in most of last years car crash of a year Patton & Lilley doesn't work (both were terrible, why does Lawford continue to be 18th man?)
5) Keighley really do hate us and we should expect more of the same in the next 2 encounters we need to fight fire with fire.
That 1 result could be the beginning of the end for any play off hopes.'"
1. Agreed with the lack of aggression. We didn’t want it anywhere near as much as Keighley and tried to play around them with often comical results.
2. Dunning’s inexperienced at this level but everyone has to start somewhere I suppose. Up until yesterday he’s delivered clear improvements on 2022 (albeit a low bar to clear). I’ll reserve judgement a bit longer on the head coach for now.
3. Dual reg isn’t ideal. Ruan was anonymous for the second game now – that embarrassing chase after Webster was abysmal, especially when he was stretching his hamstrings afterwards (he’d done nothing in the game to get cramp). The selection of Roberts in this game was baffling. Not sure what Dunning was thinking. A young kid debuting in a blood and thunder derby who’s had no chance to train properly with his teammates beforehand. What could go wrong? We saw immediately from the kick off.
4. Not sure what Lawford has to do. Lilley is way better at hooker. Yesterday Patton was anonymous and Lilley’s efforts got more and more desperate as the game went on with some hilarious consequences at times but fair play for not hiding. Lawford deserves a run. He looked good versus Dewsbury and Acorn. He’ll not progress much in reserves.
5. The rivalry with Keighley should’ve been clear to coach and players beforehand. Even Mick brought it up with Dunning in the pre match interview. Clearly the players thought they could dial it in and still get a win.
